Local rail projects have some residents complaining. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about local neighborhood rail issues from Streetsblog Chicago reporter Igor Studenkov, discusses empowering young girls with Girls on the Run executive director Jill Eid, and discovers the Secret History of the local tavern jazz group the Three Souls. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

A lovely Chicago speed camera.

Mike Stephen learns about the impact of Chicago traffic cameras on minority communities with Pro Publica reporter Emily Hopkins, explores the fight against anti-Semitism in society with Michael Siegel, senior rabbi at Anshe Emet Synagogue in Lakeview, and chats with Mark Vickery about new music for his Cosmic Bull project. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Electric transportation. (Photo courtesy of Collin Seaman/WGN Radio).

Mike Stephen discusses Illinois’ grade for electric transportation with Bryan Howard of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, learns about the importance of local architectural journalism with architectural historian Elizabeth Blasius, and talks to Colleen Smith, deputy director of the Illinois Environmental Council, about a proposed ordinance aimed at curbing air pollution in Chicago. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin stress the need for immediate environmental protections, wonder if Mars will be a vacation destination in the future, and say some prayers for The Tamale Guy. The local music this week comes from Motel Breakfast. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Mike Stephen enjoys a delicious seafood buffet while at a wedding in Cleveland.

Mike Stephen learns about the fate of buffets in the wake of the pandemic with the Washington Post’s Tim Carman, discusses La Casa Norte’s important work to empower the homeless with community engagement coordinator Rebecca Sumner Burgos, and chats about the new Mellow Chicago Bike Map in the Chicago Reader with columnist John Greenfield. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin decompress after a seemingly unending week while Collin offers Mike a wedding anniversary tip. The local phase four music comes from The Mekons. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.